North West Sutherland campaigners against toilet closures claimed a partial victory yesterday after learning that Highland Council is to recommend that five of their public toilets are to be saved.
A report to go before full council on October 25 will recommend that Lairg, Rhiconich, Durness (Smoo Cave), Melvich and Scourie toilets should not be closed, but remain open all year round, owned and operated by Highland Council.
The report will also recommend that buyers or community operators be found to keep the facilities at Talmine and Kylesku open, while Kinlochbervie should be shut pending possible upgrading.
Travelling to Highland Council’s HQ in Inverness to meet senior officials were community council representatives Graham Wild, chairman Kinlochbervie; Michael Simpson, chairman Tongue; Marianne Hutchison, chairwoman Assynt, Don Campbell chairman Durness; Julie Allen, Scourie and Margaret Meek, Kinlochbervie.
They met councillor Allan Henderson, chair of the council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee and William Gilfillan, director of community services.
The council’s chief executive-designate Donna Manson also joined the meeting, and committed to travelling to north-west Sutherland at a later point to meet the communities and hear of their issues.
Mr Henderson said apologies were due to the community representatives, who have all complained about lack of consultation since toilet closures were announced in February.
He said: “The council hasn’t had a direct line to the community council chairs or secretaries, and I think that’s one of the most important things we need to do on EDI committee, when information comes out make sure it gets out to the chairs.”
Highland Save our Toilets petitioner Margaret Meek said: “Compared to February when we thought all our toilets would be closed, we’ve come a long way.
“There are some gains, but a few loose ends to tie up which the council wouldn’t commit to.”
Michael Simpson said: “It was a very good meeting, more positive than we thought and we discussed discussed broader issues like the impact of the NC500.”
Graham Wild said he was reasonably pleased by outcome.
He said: “Things came up to work on both by ourselves and also by Highland Council.”
Don Campbell said: “We made our point and we should be happy at the outcome. It was a long push and there are other issues but at least we’ve got the toilet which is recommended to remain open at Smoo Cave, which gets 77,000 visitors a year.”
Mr Henderson added: “We welcome the input we received from the local community leaders, the full details of which will be reported back to the next meeting of the Highland Council next week.
“We aim to set up a further partners meeting in November to take this dialogue further forward.”
